India GOWhat to buy in Ajmer
Ajmer's best souvenirs come from its two trades: the pilgrim bazaar around the Dargah and the old city's markets. Sohan halwa and attar (perfume oil) are the things the city is known for; silver, lac bangles, bandhani scarves and Nagra slippers are the Rajasthani crafts sold alongside. Each has its own street, and each its own way of setting a price.
What to buy and where
The markets are a short walk or auto ride apart in the old city.
Sohan halwa: the edible souvenir
Ghee, wheat, sugar and dry fruit with no mawa or milk, so it keeps for weeks. Moolchand Buddhamal Halwai in Purani Mandi has made it since 1870; Aamir Sweet Corner, right outside the Dargah's Buland Darwaza, sells it boxed in kesar (saffron) and plain versions. More on Ajmer's sweets.
Attar: Naya Bazar and the Dargah bazaar
Attar is scent distilled into a base oil rather than alcohol, and Ajmer's rose and khus (vetiver) trade goes back to the time Jahangir held court here. The ittar counters on Naya Bazar are the ones to slow down at; the Dargah bazaar sells attar too. Before buying, it is normal to ask the concentration and which oil it sits in.
Silver: Madar Gate and Naya Bazar
Madar Gate Market, grown up around one of the old city gates, is the address people in Ajmer give for silver; Naya Bazar has goldsmiths and silver workshops. Ask to see the hallmark before agreeing on a price.
Bangles: Chudi Bazar
One narrow lane of lac, glass and metal bangles sorted by colour. Lac bangles are sized on the spot: the seller warms the ring until it gives and works it over your wrist. Prices are low, but quoted per dozen about as often as per piece, so check which. More on Chudi Bazar.
Textiles: bandhani and cloth by the metre
Madar Gate sells bandhani dupattas (Rajasthan's tie-dyed scarves) and dress material. Purani Mandi, a few lanes from the Dargah quarter, is the cloth end of the old market: saris, Rajasthani fabric and cloth by the metre, with Kasturi Silk Palace the name people mention first. More on Purani Mandi.
Shoes, woodwork and miniatures: Nala Bazar
Nala Bazar is the broadest mix in one walk: garments, silver, woodwork, miniature paintings and Nagra shoes, the traditional Rajasthani slippers. Embroidered mojris and jootis are also stacked by size at Madar Gate. More on Nala Bazar.
The Dargah bazaar: offerings first, souvenirs second
The crowded bazaar outside the Dargah, as the Dargah Committee describes it, is filled with the offerings pilgrims bring to the shrine: shimmering coverlets (chadars) for the grave, incense, sweetmeats, rose petals and attar. Rose water, prayer items and fabrics are sold here too. Much of it is bought to be offered inside, so treat the chadar and flower stalls as part of the shrine's life rather than a craft market.
Around the Dargah, insistent "guides" and collectors for the chadar are common. Any donation is voluntary, and its size is yours to set. Keep valuables close in the crowd, as the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises for busy tourist areas.
How prices work
Bargaining is normal in Ajmer's markets, but not everywhere.
- Haggle on jewellery and shoes — At Madar Gate it is expected. On Naya Bazar, silver and attar are both negotiable.
- Fixed prices in the bigger shops — On Nala Bazar the larger shops mostly have fixed prices while the stalls do not.
- Avoid the afternoon lull — Most places on Nala Bazar shut for a long lunch break through the afternoon heat; shop in the morning or after five.
- Miniatures at the source — Studio Kishangarh, in the Phool Mahal palace at the foot of Kishangarh Fort about 27 km from Ajmer, lets visitors watch Kishangarh-school miniatures being painted and sells work at studio prices. Arrange the visit in advance through the studio's website.
FAQ
What is Ajmer famous for to buy?
Sohan halwa and attar (perfume oil, especially rose and khus) above all, then silver, lac bangles, bandhani scarves and Nagra slippers. More on Ajmer's markets.
Where is the best place to buy silver in Ajmer?
Madar Gate Market is the address locals give for silver, and Naya Bazar has silver workshops. Ask to see the hallmark and bargain before you buy.
Which sweet should I take home from Ajmer?
Sohan halwa: it has no milk and keeps for weeks. Moolchand Buddhamal Halwai in Purani Mandi is the original maker.
Which product is Rajasthan famous for that I can buy in Ajmer?
Bandhani tie-dye, silver jewellery, lac bangles, Nagra and mojri slippers and miniature painting are all sold in Ajmer's old-city markets.
Do I have to pay for a chadar at the Dargah?
Offering a chadar is a personal act of devotion, not a condition of entry. Any donation at the Dargah is voluntary and its size is yours to set, whatever an insistent "guide" says.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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